[Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture] A sacred place for test takers! Kameoka Monjusri, the Bodhisattva with the greatest wisdom in the Tohoku region

Kameoka Monjudo, located in Takahata-cho, Higashiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture is said to bring blessings for various things that require wisdom, such as praying for success in entrance exams, achieving aspirations, and prospering business

This article is about Kameoka Monjudo, which is said to be flooded with students every year during the entrance exam season!

What is Kameoka Monjudo?

``Kameoka Monjudo'' refers to a hall dedicated to Manjusri Bodhisattva belonging to `` Daishoji'', a Shingon sect Chizan sect temple located in Kameoka, Takahata The principal image of Daishoji Temple, which is a Betto temple, is Dainichi Nyorai, but Monju-do Hall is so famous that the temple is often called ``Kameoka Monju''

In 807, Tokuichi Shonin , came from Mt. Godai in China and moved Manjushri Bosatsu, which had been enshrined at Mt. Jinji in Ise Province, to this place by imperial order. It is said to be the beginning of the temple, and at that time it was called Manjuji Temple.

During the Sengoku period, Date Masamune moved from this area to Mt. Iwade, he enshrined the old bell of Shifukuji Temple, which he moved with him, and when it became Uesugi territory over time, a dedication poetry ceremony was held hosted by Kanetsugu Naoe He was revered by the rulers of the time.

By the way, the 100 poems dedicated at this time the 100 poems of Kameoka , and most of the handwritten tanzaku still exist at the temple. It also includes works by well-known military commanders, including seven Chinese poems by Kanetsugu Naoe and five waka poems by Keiji Maeda

During the Edo period, the fifth shogun of the Edo Shogunate Tokugawa Tsunayoshi , gave the temple a red seal as a Chunagon Goku and Monjudo territory, and it has long been famous as a ``nation's famous temple.''

Manjushri Bodhisattva is the Bodhisattva who governs wisdom.

The Bodhisattva Manjusri enshrined in the Manjusri Hall is one of the Bodhisattvas worshiped in Mahayana Buddhism, and is generally known for its wisdom ``the wisdom of Manjusri according to the three people.'' ) is said to be the Bodhisattva who rules over

Because of this, it is said that it will bring blessings in various matters that require wisdom, such as passing entrance exams, and many students visit Kameoka Monju to worship during the New Year's visit and entrance exam season.

One of Japan's three Monjusri

``Kameoka in Dewa, Abe in Yamato, and Kirito in Tango'' include Abe Monjuin Temple in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, and Kiremonjuin Temple in Chionji Temple in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture. also counted as one of Japan's three Monjusri

However, there are usually several candidates for Japan University. The Sanmonjusri of Japan is no exception,

• Nakayama Monju of Yamashiro (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
• Godaisan Chikurinji Temple in Tosa (Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture)
• Monjusenji Temple in Kunisaki, Buzen (Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture)
• Shinano Rokukyoyu Monjudo (Rokukyoyu Onsen, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture)

It seems that these are also candidates.

Water of wisdom “Tone water”

, ``Tone Water'', which is said to be able to receive the wisdom of Manjusri Bodhisattva, gushing out.

This spring water has been selected as one of Yamagata's top 100 famous waters.

Don't forget to have a drink when you visit the shrine!

``Pencil of Wisdom'' to pray for success

At the temple office to the left of Manjushu-do Hall, various souvenirs are sold that are believed to be good for praying for entrance exams.

amulets and amulets there are even things like the ``Pencil of Wisdom'' pictured below and ` `rice for praying for success'' that is used to pray for success

This time, I purchased Kameoka Monju's goshuin and the ``Pencil of Wisdom,'' which is personally the most practical. It's not like I have any particular exams coming up...but wisdom is never a problem!

By the way, the shop on the way to the shrine has a wide variety of products, such as ``Wisdom Candy'', ``Successful Sweet Chestnuts'', ``Successful Headband'', ``Successful Daruma'', ``Wisdom Konnyaku'', ``Wisdom Fried Dango'', etc... It might be interesting to try and find something that resonates with you.

summary

Generally, when we think of shrines for praying for success, we often visit the Tenjin Shrine, which is known as the god of learning and is dedicated to Michizane Sugawara, , If you also receive the blessings of Manjushri Bodhisattva, who rules over wisdom, it's as if you've already passed the exam? maybe.

It is a spot that you should definitely visit at least once from the perspective of being a corner of Japan's largest area in Tohoku

Kameoka Monju <Information>

• Name: Kameoka Monju (Daishoji Temple)
• Address: Kameoka, Takahata-cho, Higashiokitama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-0321
• Phone number: 0238-52-0444
• Official URL: https://kameokamonju.jp/

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